A Big Issue vendor who has turned his life around is running the Cardiff 10K to help kidney patients.

After losing his home and job through drinking Stuart Drucker, 40, has got his life back on track and is running the race “to give something back” to those who helped him.

After selling Big Issue on the streets of Cardiff for six months he is joining a team of four staff from the magazine and a fellow street vendor to run the Cardiff 10K next month in aid of Kidney Wales, which organises the event.

Stuart, now a successful Big Issue vendor, said he wants to show his thanks for all those who helped by raising funds for Kidney Wales which provides support to adults and children in Wales with kidney problems.

Stuart, who takes part in team race training sessions twice a week, said: “I’ve done a complete 360 compared to who I was half a year ago, when I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be able to commit to anything for six days a week like I do now.

“The Big Issue is like a little family and I can’t wait to run with them to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. Taking part will be the icing on the cake for me.”

Big Issue’s vendor services worker, Samantha Aston, added: “Stuart has gone from strength to strength since engaging with Big Issue. Compared to a year ago he is now a positive, honest, consistent, kind and generous man who encourages others and is determined to turn his life around.”